Union defends Auckland bus driver following criticism over racial attack incident

In response to Transport Minister Simeon Brown’s criticisms, First Union has defended an Auckland bus driver who did not intervene during a racially motivated attack on a 16-year-old passenger.

The union said that bus drivers are not trained like police officers and are not equipped to handle violent incidents, especially those involving weapons. General Secretary Dennis Maga argued that it is unfair to expect bus drivers to risk their safety, stating that the priority should be on continuing their route and maintaining their own security.

The incident occurred last Friday when a woman assaulted a schoolboy with a metal pole while hurling racial slurs. The attack left the boy with significant dental damage, and the assailant remains at large. Brown, who met the victim and his family, suggested that the bus driver might not have followed proper procedures, a claim that Maga refuted. Maga criticised Brown for his lack of understanding and called for increased security measures on public transport, highlighting that drivers should not intervene in violent situations due to the risk of escalation and further harm.

In response to the union’s concerns, Brown pointed to the government’s allocation of $15 million in Budget 2024 aimed at improving bus driver safety and working conditions.

The police investigation is ongoing and they urge witnesses to come forward. The victim, a Chinese born teen named Jason, has been living in New Zealand for seven years. He told legacy media he was now fearful of using public transport.